Machiyas have existed in Japan since the eighth century and were most popular during the Edo Period. These old townhouses were usually home to artisans and merchants. Over the years, their construction style changed, but the traditional framework remained. Post-1950, machiyas were no longer constructed as modern architectural style took precedence. However, most of the properties from the bygone eras have been beautifully preserved to serve as holiday homes. Machiya Residence Inn is one of the companies involved in this restoration process, and Higashiyama Kageroi Machiya is among the many traditional machiyas that have been preserved by them since 2010. The company has created a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, which every culture enthusiast will appreciate.

Design and Architecture

The architecture and design of Higashiyama Kageroi Machiya will take you back in time to old Japan. Its striking facade, with kawara (clay) tiled roof and a combination of dark wood and white earthen walls, makes it stand out against the other houses on the street. There are two Japanese-style rooms featuring culturally significant colors and tatami mats. The bright red in one of the rooms signifies the backgrounds used by geiko and maiko entertainers, while the gunjo (ultramarine blue) in the other one is a nod to the aristocrats and samurai warriors. These two bedrooms are separated by fusuma (sliding doors). Light-colored Noto hiba wood sourced from the Noto region of Japan adorns the bathroom walls and lets you have aromatic baths.

The well-equipped kitchen at Higashiyama Kageroi Machiya makes up for the lack of a restaurant on the property. Culinary enthusiasts can shop for ingredients at the historic Omicho Market nearby and show off their cooking skills in the kitchen. It's equipped with a rice cooker , an induction stovetop , a microwave , other cookware , and cutlery. Machiya Residence Inn provides their original Machiya Coffee in most of the machiyas, and you can find it in this one too! Along with that, there's some green tea and black tea provided. Once you're done preparing a warm meal, enjoy it at the antique dining table.

For days when you feel lazy, the property offers easy access to local eateries such as 小橋カフェ Otaba and La Palette , both within a five-minute walking distance.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Higashiyama Kageroi Machiya is a great base for exploring Kanazawa's cultural and natural offerings. It's located close to museums such as Kanazawa Yasue Gold-Leaf Museum, only a five-minute walk away, and Tokuda Shusei Kinenkan Museum, a four-minute drive from the property. If you're interested in the geisha heritage of Japan, then you must visit the historic teahouse district of *Kazuemachi Chaya , only a nine-minute drive away. Outdoor lovers can take about a 10-minute drive to explore the beautiful Kenroku-en and Gyokusen-en gardens.